While economic disparities can impact access to nutritious food, Knorr Philippines and GMA Kapuso Foundation are determined to make nutritious, delicious, and affordable meals accessible for Filipino families.
Knorr Philippines joined GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) in its ‘Give A Gift Feed A Child’ project to help communities in General Nakar, Quezon. Over 300 children from across three schools, between kinder and third grade, graduated from the six-month-long nutrition program partnership in July.
It takes a village: Students record improvements in height, weight
With guidance from General Nakar local officials and the Department of Education, the municipality was identified as among those that would benefit from a holistic nutrition program based on the results of the nationwide 2021 Operation Timbang conducted by the National Nutrition Council.
Together with GMAKF, Knorr stepped in as among its main sponsors to run the program in the community.
The ‘Give A Gift Feed A Child’ program envisioned to:
- Alleviate short-term hunger in undernourished children through a 120-day in-school supplementary feeding program;
- Improve school attendance and class performance; and
- Raise awareness on proper health and nutrition among parents and guardians of beneficiaries through interactive lectures, including learning sessions based on Knorr’s Nutri-Sarap education module.
About 88% of the beneficiary students’ weights improved, and 85% have recorded an increase in height over the program period. It was also observed that students had increased alertness and energy in their classes.
The initiative was also boosted by the active involvement of the mothers who prepared nutritious meals for the in-school feeding program, nurtured the gardens, and put into practice the knowledge gained from Knorr’s nutrition education modules.
“It was truly moving to see the collective efforts of private organizations, parents, teachers, and local officials as we embarked on a transformative six-month journey for the benefit of the children of General Nakar. Knorr’s commitment to the fight malnutrition spans two decades, and this collaboration is proof that when the community unites, we make meaningful progress,” shared Unilever Nutrition Philippines Business Lead Bindoy Baltazar.
Knorr Nutri-Sarap: Foundation for Sustainable Nutrition
Feeding programs end after a defined period with the intent for the community to sustain healthy habits and results through tools and resources gained from the program. In the case of GMAKF and Knorr’s adopted community in General Nakar, the right foundations are in place, including school and backyard gardens and trained parents and guardians. The program sponsors remain confident that the community will continue to rally together to sustain improvements in undernutrition rates in their area.
“We’re proud that Knorr helps mothers sustain this journey in their own homes through our Knorr Nutri-Sarap Budget Journal. This invaluable resource empowers them with affordable meal planning techniques, enabling them to make healthier choices for their families. With a collection of 21 days of nutritious, delicious, and budget-friendly recipes assessed by DOST-FNRI, we ensure that every meal is a step toward a healthier future,” added Baltazar.
Knorr is Unilever’s biggest food brand and is committed to using its scale and reach by inspiring people to make more nutritious, more planet-friendly food choices every day. Through products, programs, and partnerships, Knorr champions a sustainable way of eating.